Dr Myra Cullinane was told that a garda investigation into the tragedy remains ongoing.

Baby Sean Patrick was discovered dead when gardai were called to a house at Deerpark, off Friar's Walk in Cork city, on July 29 last.

Garda Deirdre Hayes told Cork Coroner's Court that on arrival at the property she went into a bathroom. "I saw a baby lying in the toilet," she said.

The baby was pronounced dead at the scene. The infant was later removed to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem.

Gda Hayes confirmed that she identified the body to Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster.

The pathologist found, following a July 30 examination, that the infant died from "hypoxia due to placental failure associated with aspiration". Hypoxia is a condition in which critical parts of the body, including the brain, are deprived of oxygen.

No further details of the post-mortem were given.

Detective Inspector Ger O'Mahony applied under the Coroner's Act for the inquest to be adjourned pending the outcome of the gardai's ongoing investigation.

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"We are applying for the matter to be adjourned to June. By that stage we hope that there will be more clarity in relation to the matter," he said.

Dr Cullinane was informed that members of the infant's family were in court, including his mother, Elaine.

The infant's mother wept as summary details of the cause of death were read out.

Dr Cullinane extended her sympathies to the family as she granted the garda application for an adjournment.